POLICE have turned to dental records in their efforts to identify two bodies discovered in a burning car near Ebbw Vale.

The bodies, of a man and a woman, were found in the silver Vauxhall Vectra at Lower Carno reservoir near Ebbw Vale on Friday. Efforts have been under way throughout the weekend to identify them.

Although the bodies have not been formally identified, it is believed that one of the dead is Annette Poulson, a mother of two and divorcee, whose home in Coronation Street, Blaina, has been linked to the incident by police.

The identity of the man found in the car is unknown but it is thought that he may be the dead woman's ex-lover whom she split from about three months ago.

Speaking yesterday Ms Poulson's distraught nephew Damien said the family were shocked.

"The family are very distressed but trying to cope with the tragedy," he said.

"Her daughters are too upset to talk at the moment - it's all been a great shock."

A police spokeswoman said that the investigation team was still unable to confirm who the two dead people in the car were.

"Sadly due to their fatal injuries, we are still not able to make a formal identification and are now liaising with an orthodontist, looking at dental records," she said.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Williams, who is leading the inquiry into the deaths, has urged anyone who saw anything suspicious at Ms Poulson's home in Coronation Street to come forward.

"I can confirm that we are treating this inquiry as suspicious, and would urge the public to assist us with any information," he said.

"Initial inquiries have assisted us towards identifying the bodies and we have appointed fully-trained familyliaison officers to work as part of the investigative scene.

"Anyone who either heard or saw anything suspicious take place at 27 Coronation Street in Blaina, or witnessed the silver Vectra travelling towards the reservoir, should contact the police."

Ms Poulson, aged in her forties, is understood to have lived at Coronation Street for many years.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said that she had split up with her partner about three months ago.

"Everyone knows everyone in this street and we are all shocked and upset," he said. "It is normally such a quiet street."

A 999 call led firefighters to the blazing car at Lower Carno Reservoir, Beaufort, near Ebbw Vale, early on Friday afternoon.

It was only when theyextinguished the flames that they made the grim dis-covery.

The body of the man was found seated in the car and the body of the woman was discovered in the boot.

Police were called immediately and the area was designated a crime scene.

Over the weekend Home Office Pathologist Dr Andrew Davison carried out post- mortem examinations on both bodies.

Forensic scientists have examined the car, which was badly burned, for any clues.

Scenes-of-crime officers have also been carrying out investigations inside Ms Poulson's house.

About 35 police officers are working on the case.

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious at 27 Coronation Street, Blaina, or who saw the car travelling towards the reservoir area is urged to contact Gwent Police.